Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Atazanavir
(Reyataz) is an antiretroviral drug from the class known as protease
inhibitors. Protease inhibitors block the activity of the HIV protease (or
proteinase) enzyme that HIV uses to break up large viral proteins so
that new HIV particles can be formed. Inhibiting this
action slows HIV replication and delays damage to the immune system.
For more information on how protease inhibitors work, see Protease inhibitors in the section Ways of attacking HIV.

Atazanavir
was developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, the makers of stavudine (d4T, Zerit)
and didanosine (ddI, Videx/VidexEC). It was formerly identified
as BM-232632.

In the
European Union, atazanavir was approved for use in treatment-experienced people
in 2004, at a dose of 300mg, boosted with 100mg ritonavir (Norvir) once
a day. It was approved for use in treatment-naive people at the same dose in
2008.

In the
United States, atazanavir was approved as an HIV treatment in 2003 without
restrictions on its use. The licensed dosing is 400mg once daily for
treatment-naive people and 300mg plus 100 mg ritonavir once daily for
treatment-experienced people. It is recommended that this drug be taken with
food. It has also been approved for use in children six years of age and older.

Atazanavir
co-formulated with cobicistat (150mg) as a boosting agent has been approved for
use in the European Union under the brand name Evotaz. See Evotaz for
further details of dosing and specific drug interactions resulting from the use
of cobicistat.

Generic
versions of atazanavir are due to become available for prescribing in the
United Kingdom during 2018 and it is likely that most people taking atazanavir
will be switched to these products.

Atazanavir (Reyataz)

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends
checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member
of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.